NewsNYC Nightlife United fund announced

Photo: Louise Mason

The emergency fund will support small business affected by COVID-19.

21st May 2020

With many venues affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, individuals and organisations involved in New York’s vibrant nightlife have established the NYC Nightlife United fund, “a new emergency fund that aims to provide immediate relief to shuttered cultural centers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic”.

Spearheaded by members of Brooklyn venue Friends and Lovers, and promoter and publication AdHoc Presents, Diana Mora, owner of Friends and Lovers, explains, “No one can deny that ​nightlife is culture.​ This forum for self-expression influences art, music, fashion and brands. If you think about music especially, it is the most powerful passion point. It’s the original social network, transcending every barrier— socioeconomic, distance and language. That’s why protecting this rare resource that defines the spirit of NY is so important.”

Ric Leichtung, owner of AdHoc Presents, adds, “Businesses in live music need immediate aid and face challenges unique to our industry, but there were no relief programs made just for us. We’re fiercely independent people who tap into our community to make the changes we want to see happen. When there’s no road paved for us, we make the concrete.”

The fund is also partnering with The Solo Foundation, a non-profit focused on the arts to administer the fund in a fast and equitable way. As a statement explains: “These funds will be awarded to support the community, prioritizing the small businesses, venues, and individuals working in NYC nightlife and culture spaces. Funds will be awarded on an on-going basis and can be requested via a simple online application.”